Our ward is struggling in gaining momentum with Duty to God. What suggestions do you have?

Momentum is created when stake presidencies, bishoprics, advisers, families, and quorum presidencies lead out and engage in the recommended Duty to God experiences themselves: actively learning, acting, and sharing. Momentum also comes when parents and others regularly and intensively mentor their sons and/or young men, providing support, encouragement, and praise for fulfilling their duty to God (see Fulfilling My Duty to God, pages 95-102).

Another aspect of momentum is the quality of relationships we have with our sons and young men. “When you have a strong relationship with your son or the young men in your quorum, they are more likely to deepen their conversion to the gospel and remain faithful. The activities in the Duty to God book provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen these relationships. Making your own plans and working on them with your son or a quorum member allows you to spend time together engaged in meaningful activities. Sharing experiences with each other gives you the opportunity to bear testimony and strengthen each other spiritually” (see Fulfilling My Duty to God, page 103).

What is the best means for monitoring the experiences of young men as they fulfill their duty to God?

Mentoring and sharing are the best means for monitoring the experiences young men are having as they fulfill their duty to God. Through careful and regular mentoring we know what young men’s plans are, what they are thinking about, and what their concerns are. Unhurried listening on the part of parents, priesthood advisers, and mentors deepens relationships and heightens understanding of what is taking place in a son or young man’s life.

Sharing, however, needs to be nurtured and supported in families, quorums, and interviews with priesthood leaders. It takes time for young men to feel comfortable in sharing spiritual experiences. Frequently, parents, advisers, bishopric members, and/or quorum presidency members create the desire for sharing by talking about their own daily, spiritual experiences. Through example, they convey the special feelings and blessings that come from their own personal prayer, scripture study, and priesthood service. Gradually, traditions are established in families, quorums, and in other settings where sharing occurs spontaneously and regularly.

Other approaches to monitoring include a review of plans written and responses to these plans. Also, parents and mentors may want to discuss teaching outlines for the various doctrines that a son or young man has created. For more information, consider the material found in Fulfilling My Duty to God, pages 8-9 and 93-102.

How should quorum presidencies, assistants to the bishop, and the adult advisers work together?

Quorum advisers should prepare quorum leaders in quorum presidency meetings for each meeting they conduct (see D&C 107:99). This allows each quorum leader to act in his calling, to be thoroughly prepared, to sit in council with quorum members, and to conduct quorum business while advisers offer guidance and mentoring as needed (see Handbook 2,8.3.2, 8.9.3, and Fulfilling My Duty to God,pages 91-102).

How involved should a bishop be with the priests on a weekly basis?

As presidents of the Aaronic Priesthood, bishops watch over and nurture young men (see Handbook 1, 2.2). Bishops serve personally and actively as quorum presidents. They regularly attend and preside over quorum presidency meetings and Sunday quorum meetings. They participate in quorum meetings and activities as often as possible (see Handbook 2,8.3.1). With the assistance of quorum advisers, they also play key roles in teaching leadership skills and helping quorum leaders fulfill their responsibilities (see Handbook 2,8.3.1).